The H-West Ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation conducted a demolition drive at Bandra’s Hill Road on Wednesday, tearing down illegal extensions by shops across the length of the busy arterial road. However, some of the shop owners claimed that in their enthusiasm the BMC demolition squads also resorted to indiscriminate action. Officials have said that those who feel that their property has been unnecessarily damaged can lodge a complaint with the civic corporation and claim compensation.
On Wednesday morning, the demolition squads and machines started tearing illegal extensions effected by shopkeepers on Hill Road after giving them notice as per procedure. According to an official present at the time of the demolition drive the shop owners ignored the notice and failed to pull down the extensions on their own, hence the BMC was demolishing the same. Extensions ranging from a foot to six to eight feet were targeted and pulled down.
However, some shopkeepers claimed the BMC squad also tore down legalised and permitted additions to the shops. “The squad was pulling down the name boards and even though they were shown the permissions and documents for the same they did not pay heed to it. Such an attitude is uncalled for,” said a shop owner requesting anonymity.
Anil Joseph, an activist and member of Perry Road ALM said, “The illegal extensions by shop owners had made commuting on Hill Road a hellish experience. After the BMC evicted street vendors it was expected the road would become more pliable but the shop owners started extending their shops, leading to traffic snarls and jams. It’s good the BMC has finally started taking action.”
